Data Transformation and migration

The migration of data is not a simple task. Whether driven by merger and acquisition activity, a need to move to another application solution, or as a result of consolidation, it is often assumed that the migration of the data will be straightforward - "surely you just pipe the data from one place to another?" As anyone who has delivered data migration will tell you, this is not the case.

When migrating data it is vital to assess the data structures in both systems and identify the gaps between the two before ensuring the data lands on the target system in an acceptable state whilst processing and use continue uninterrupted.

Ideally the required transformations will be simple and automated, although even this requires a level of interaction to configure ETL (Extract Transform Load tools) to make this process easier.

Often, however, the data will require a high degree of cleansing before it can be translated and migrated, and this adds much complication, and may even make it an un-economic procedure - perhaps it would be better to stick with what you have until the data is no longer required? At the very least, an assessment of data quality is a good starting point for any migration exercise.

How can Oakleigh help?

Oakleigh can help its clients by offering consultants experienced in all aspects of data migration combined with our expertise in programme management and culture change.

We have recently completed two large scale migration projects, one of which involved the migration of over four million customers.

Our consultants can bring immediate value by delivering:

An assessment of the planned migration project -
is it the right thing to do? What is the level of risk involved?
Would it actually be safer to continue with the current system/s until the data is end-of-lifed? Is there a subset of data which must be migrated while other data can remain in situ?
Expert assistance with planning a data migration project
Expert assistance with designing migration processes
Management of the entire data migration project

"Oakleigh Consulting's Technology Division's unique combination of innovation and experience led us to select them for a high-profile delivery project... It is a tribute to the Oakleigh organisation that they were able to provide such a high-quality solution within the aggressive time scales that we demanded."

Customer Service Director, Powergen Retail